ESPN Suspends Le Batard

Dan Le Batard, a well-known sports radio show host, has been suspended by ESPN following a controversial billboard intended for former Miami Heat star LeBron James.

Le Batard helped to pay for the billboard, now up in Akron, Ohio, James’ hometown. It reads, “You’re Welcome, LeBron. Love, Miami.” The billboard also displays two championship rings, representing the two James won during his tenure with the Miami Heat.

The bottom of the billboard reads, “This ad is paid for by Gonzalo ‘Papi’ Le Batard and Stugotz.” Gonzalo Le Batard is Dan Le Batard’s father and cohost on his ESPN2 television show, “¿Highly Questionable?” Stugotz is the nickname of John Weiner, Le Batard’s ESPN Radio cohost.

Le Batard, who is of Cuban descent, has been suspended for two days by the sports network.

ESPN released a statement following the suspension. It reads in part, “His [Le Batard’s] recent stunt does not reflect ESPN’s standards and brand. We were not made aware of his plans in advance.”